posted 05-23-2013 02:45 PM               

Space Shuttle Atlantis to Celebrate Grand Opening at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex June 29

The world's most comprehensive attraction devoted to the space shuttle opens Saturday, June 29 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Space Shuttle Atlantis is the new, 90,000-square-foot, $100 million home of the priceless, historic spacecraft that tells the incredible story of NASA's 30-year Space Shuttle Program. The Visitor Complex will open at 9 a.m. and grand opening events will take place throughout the day.

More than 30 Atlantis astronauts will participate in the grand opening of Space Shuttle Atlantis, which will offer guests the public's first access to the attraction. From only a few feet away, guests will be awed and inspired with an up-close, 360-degree view of Atlantis. The shuttle is dramatically showcased as if it were in orbit — as only astronauts have had a chance to see it. Atlantis is elevated 30 feet off the ground and rotated at a 43.21-degree angle with its payload bay doors open and Canadarm (robotic arm) extended.

Space Shuttle Atlantis features more than 60 interactive, touch-screen experiences and high-tech simulators inviting guests to "be the astronaut," bringing to life the people, passion and patriotism behind the Space Shuttle Program as well as the complexity of the engineering marvel that launched the Hubble Space Telescope and built the International Space Station.

Space Shuttle Atlantis grand opening festivities are included in regular Visitor Complex admission: $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11.

posted 05-23-2013 02:47 PM               

• An evening celebration will be held on June 28. NASA TV will provide live coverage.

• The opening ceremonies on June 29 will begin at 9:30 a.m. EDT. NASA TV will provide live coverage.

posted 05-23-2013 08:04 PM               

• Bo Bobko, STS-51-J
  
• Charlie Bolden, STS-45
  
• Sandy Magnus, STS-135
  
• Chris Ferguson, STS-135
  
• Doug Hurley, STS-135
  
• Rex Walheim, STS-135
  
• Janet Kavandi, STS-104
  
• Eileen Collins, STS-84
  
• Steve Lindsey, STS-104
  
• Jerry Ross, five time Atlantis flyer
  
• Bryan O'Connor, STS-61-B
  
• Charlie Walker, STS-61-B
  
• Hoot Gibson, STS-27R
  
• Garrett Reisman, STS-132
  
• Steve Bowen, STS-132

posted 05-24-2013 10:05 AM               

I should have done this before, but add Jim Reilly to the list (STS-104, 117.) He should already be there as he's scheduled to be the one giving the Astronaut Encounter talk. Perhaps also Mike Mullane, as he's the next Astronaut Encounter (starting July 1.)

posted 06-09-2013 01:56 PM               

• 40-plus astronauts representing Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Shuttle missions will be actively involved in the celebration.
  
• Some of these include Curt Brown, Scott Carpenter, Bob Crippen, Dick Gordon, Fred Gregory, Fred Haise, Hank Hartsfield, Marsha Ivins, Wendy Lawrence, Jack Lousma, Brewster Shaw and Norm Thagard.

posted 06-25-2013 02:56 PM               

And now on Sightings, the list of astronauts participating in the celebration.

posted 06-29-2013 10:45 AM               

It was a tremendous, awesome, and most spectacular 4(+)-hour evening! One of the best that my wife and I had attended in a long, long time.

DNC/NASA, along with their event sponsors, went all-out in every way possible to make this an exciting and historic lifetime-party celebration!

It was one of the best-ever from all of my attended space celebrations, invited launch parties, anniversary galas, and special events going back to the later Apollo era and entire shuttle program.

posted 07-02-2013 06:36 PM               

• Space Shuttle Atlantis launches on public display in Florida
  
• Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit opening with support from souvenirs

posted 07-03-2013 06:06 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Blackarrow:
Is "Atlantis" within walking distance of the Saturn V Center?

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